The Orchestras

Beginning OrchestraThe Beginning Orchestra is designed for the student with no experience on a string instrument, or one that has studied privately and needs to continue their note and rhythm reading skills. Students use Essential Elements Book 1 along with supplemental material and sheet music. Students develop note and rhythm reading, learn first position notes on each of their four strings and grow from playing in unison to 3 part harmony by the end of the year.Beginners participate in the Fall/Winter Concert, Strings Extravaganza, ArtWorks!, and Spring Concert.

Cadet OrchestraThe Cadet Orchestra is designed for the students who have successfully completed the playing skills and note/rhythm reading in the Beginning Orchestra curriculum, or those that study privately and whose playing and reading skills are at a Suzuki Book 2 level. Students will complete Essential Elements Book 2, work out of Winning Rhythms and prepare string orchestra literature ranging from 3 part to 5 part harmony. Cadet members participate in the Fall/Winter Concert, Strings Extravaganza, ArtWorks!, and Spring Concert. All are encouraged to study privately. Students remain in the Cadet Orchestra for two years.

Concert OrchestraThe Concert Orchestra is designed for students who have successfully completed 2 years of Cadet Orchestra, or those that study privately and whose playing and reading skills are at least at a Suzuki Book 3 level. Students will complete Essential Elements Book 3, continue work out of Winning Rhythms and prepare string orchestra literature. Concert members participate in the Fall/Winter Concert, Strings Extravaganza, Spring Concert, and be given the opportunity to participate in the ILMEA District Auditions/Festival and IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest. All are encouraged to study privately.Chamber OrchestraThe Chamber Orchestra is an audition based ensemble designed to give upper level players the opportunity to perform increasingly challenging music, and learn "gigging" music to then go out into the community and gig. Chamber members participate in the Fall/Winter Concert, Strings Extravaganza, Spring Concert, and numerous gigs throughout the year. Student in Chamber must also be members of the Concert Orchestra. All are encouraged to study privately.